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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 18, 2026Miami-Dade

Florida and Alaska primary elections highlight redistricting, candidate controversies, and party internal battles

Voters in Florida, Alaska, and other states head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that will determine candidates for congressional and gubernatorial seats. These contests feature significant shifts in district maps, high-profile challenges between establishment and progressive candidates, and several races involving candidates with legal or ethical controversies.

electionsredistrictingcampaign financecongressional racespolitical parties
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Why It Matters

These primary results will determine the final candidate slates for the upcoming midterms, which will decide control of Congress and serve as a referendum on national political leadership.

Key Facts

  • Florida's congressional map was redrawn by a GOP-led effort, resulting in new district boundaries.
  • Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is facing former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in a South Florida district.
  • Alaska uses an open primary system where all candidates appear on one ballot, with the top four advancing to a ranked-vote general election.
  • Incumbent Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan is facing a challenger also named Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
  • Wyoming has open seats for governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House for the first time in over 30 years.
  • The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) super PAC spent over $2 million against candidate Aisha Wahab in California's 14th District.
  • Rep. Byron Donalds is running to become the first Black governor of Florida.
  • Rep. Cory Mills is facing an ethics investigation regarding allegations of assault and campaign finance violations.
  • Former Rep. Madison Cawthorn and former Rep. Chris Collins are mounting comeback bids in Florida.

Who's Mentioned

organizationAmerican Israel Public Affairs Committee“Super PAC involved in California election spending”personDaniel J. Sullivan Jr.“Candidate for Alaska Senate”personByron Donalds“Florida Representative running for Governor”personMary Peltola“Former U.S. Representative in Alaska”personSheila Cherfilus-McCormick“Former U.S. Representative running for office”personRon DeSantis“Term-limited Governor of Florida”personDebbie Wasserman Schultz“U.S. Representative running for reelection”personDan Sullivan“Incumbent Republican Senator in Alaska”